Scottsboro City Council Meeting

 North Broad St. Rail Road Crossing to be Closed

North side approach looking south at the North Broad Street Crossing. An 18 wheel towed vehicle became stuck on the crossing in the past month utilizing this approach.

In a 3 to 2 vote, with the Council President Matthew Hodges breaking a tie vote, the North Broad St. crossing will be closed. Mr. Hodges commented after the vote, "we will be looking at evacuation planning in the case of an emergency in this area." Mr. Speers and Ms. McCrary voted no; Mr. Smith, Mr. Bell and Mr. Hodges voted yes to close the dangerous crossing.

City Council President Matthew Hodges broke the tie vote in the North Broad St. rail crossing issue. (photo G.Morgan)

Ms. McCrary and Mr. Smith discuss the Broad St. rail crossing issue. Ms. McCrary stated,  "larger, more visible signs should be placed prior to the crossing...the crossing should remain open in the case of other crossings were blocked."  Mr. Smith commented, "if the Broad Street crossing was blocked,  the crossings left and right of the Broad Street crossing would also be blocked." (photo by G. Morgan)

Mr. Speers suggests that height restrictive, protective devices could be placed on the approaches at the crossings to warn off large vehicles. Mr. Speers stated he believed the crossing should remain open and voted to keep the crossing open. Mayor Potter, left side of picture looks on. (photo G. Morgan)

Mr. Bell suggested that that a locked double gate be placed at the crossing which could be opened in case of an emergency. Mayor Potter and Mr. Bell both confirmed that Norfolk Southern Railroad rejected this plan as the crossing would not be a permanent closed crossing. Mr. Bell voted to close the crossing. Daily Sentinel article on issue: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_3aa5df3a-b4d2-11e1-8fcd-0019bb2963f4.html

In other business, the agenda for new business.

1) Bond refinancing issue for $10,575,000- 2002 city bond, interest 5%. $108,000 will be returned to the city, the bond's time will remain the same. The $108K will be utilized to replace the roof on the library before further damage occurs. (Rate is 3.8%) 2004A Board of Education bond issue. $2 million dollars will be returned to the Board of Education, debt will be extended for 3 years, the rate is 3.8%.

Mr. Larry Ward of Morgan Keegan presents the details of the Bond Issue refinancing to the Scottsboro City Council. The council approved the bond issue refinancing. The Scottsboro Board of Education must approve the school bond issues before it becomes final. (photo G. Morgan)

2) The Severe Weather Tax Holiday (Jul 6-8) and the School Sales Tax Holiday (Aug 3-5) was approved.Both issue ordinances were changed to reflect "until reascended." Dates will change but the tax holiday will continue unless the city council cancels the tax holiday. 2) Budget amendment for Commercial Development Authority (CDA) of $15,000 approved. Subsequent years budget line item will be $20,000. 3) Vacancy on Zoning Adjustment Board, applications must be turned into the City Clerk by Thursday, June 21, 2012 by 4:30PM, 3 year appointment. 4) Contract with Barge, Wagner, Sumner and Cannon Engineers for airport improvement approved. 5) New Fire Department Organizational Chart approved allowing a Fire Fighter position to be a driver position. 6) Donation of the Derrick Office building on the north side of the square to the City of Scottsboro approved. The space is 11.5 ft by 50ft. with a small rear outside space of approximately 5ft Demolition by the Street Department and supervised by the City Engineer will begin immediately.

Picture submitted by Mayor which suggests a proposed use of the property. This property is in the historical district and all building or demolition must meet the approval of the Historical Commission. (photo by G. Morgan)